Serena defeats Muguruza, advances to quarterfinals
MELBOURNE, Australia – Serena Williams survived another scare Monday afternoon at the Australian Open, this time against an up-and-coming star who had beaten her at a major once before. How'd it play out? Read on to find out.
Scoreline: [1] Serena Williams (USA) def. [24] Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2
It was at the French Open last spring that Williams was bulldozed by Muguruza, a hard-hitting Spaniard who shocked her on that day in Paris, a 6-2, 6-2 shellacking. But Williams didn't let that happen again here, fighting Muguruza and her own self to secure a three-set win and a spot in the quarterfinals.
What it means: Midway through the match the narrative was that Williams didn't have any answers for Muguruza, a highly touted 21 year old. Instead, Williams righted her course and came out on top, meaning she's back in the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time in two years. She'll face last year's runner-up Dominika Cibulkova, the No. 11 seed who came from behind to beat Victoria Azarenka, the former world No. 1 and two-time Aussie champ.
How it happened: Muguruza came out firing against a flat-footed Williams, who had a slow start in her previous two matches, as well. Muguruza won the first set in just 39 minutes and looked prime to cause the tournament's biggest upset since Roger Federer went out on Friday in the third round.
But Williams wouldn't let that be, digging deep in set two with a more consistent and aggressive approach. Often looking concerned on this afternoon, Williams let out a guttural scream when she was finally able to move ahead and secure the second set. The second game of the decider proved most pivotal, when Williams saved five break points to hold for 1-all. She broke the next game to lead 2-1, and then never looked back, serving out the match in just over two hours.
Key stat: That serve was massive for Williams, who belted 17 aces (to four for Muguruza) and won her 78 percent of points on her first delivery. Williams hit 41 winners in the match and saved eight break points overall.
What she said: "I decided to do my best and focus and stay relaxed," Williams said of another slow start. "She hits the ball really big and really hard. I'm just really happy to be past the fourth round of a Slam."